Spring across the
southeast is usually a beautiful time, but this year, we’ve been gripped in a crazy cycle of rain, blustery winds, heavy clouds and more rain. It seems, finally, that the cycle has broken and spring has arrived! Let’s take a tour through Memphis… cuz we’re past the blues and into sunny days! Besides, there are so many things to do in Memphis, Tennessee that everyone should visit at least once!
5 Fun Things to Do in Memphis
1. Beale Street.
Where else would a Memphis trip begin? Beale Street, a colorful neighborhood reminiscent of the 1920’s, was influenced by riverboat gamblers and hustlers. Shops, eateries, emporiums line the streets. Musicians play the blues on street corners adding to the unique flavor of the area. Speaking of flavor, this neighborhood is home to true Memphis BBQ. The Blues City Cafe at 138 Beale Street is a local favorite!
2. Peabody Hotel.
The Peabody Hotel, located at 149 Union Avenue, dates back to 1869. This ultra-luxe hotel (rated 5 stars on Travelocity) has long been the go-to hotel for the rich and famous. The lobby leaves guests (and visitors who stroll in off the streets) breathless with opulent finishes and exquisite attention to detail. The hotel is historically significant to the Memphis blues music movement, too. In the 1920s-1930s, blues artists made their first recordings here, playing for talent scouts to secure recording contracts. Stop in here, enjoy a drink at the lobby bar and imagine life here 100 years ago…. and don’t forget the ducks. Yes, the Peabody is home to some famous ducks… they even have their own duck master! (I hope to stay here sometime… wonder if they’d let my dog come along! She loves ducks!)
3. Orpheum Theatre
Located on South Main Street, the Orpheum Theatre dates back to the 1890s and became part of the vaudeville traveling circuit. The theatre hosts Broadway productions, concerts and other performing arts shows. Take in a performance while you’re here, and be sure to arrive early enough to soak in the ambiance of this historic venue.
4. Sun Studios
A trip to Memphis without visiting Sun Studios at 706 Union Avenue is incomplete. Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B. B. Lewis and Johnny Cash launched their careers here. Still a recording studio, Sun Studios also offers daily tours. Walk the halls these great performers walked and try to imagine life in the 1950s when they got their start. This is living history! (Visit their site to hear Johnny Cash’s “Walk the Line”)
5. W. C. Handy Park
W. C. Handy Park, a green space offering outdoor performances, is located at 200 Beale Street. Dedicated to W. C. Handy, dubbed the “Father of the Blues,” local artists still play here — leave a tip! The park hosts free concerts all summer long.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Memphis?
For more on Memphis with families, read this post: Walkin’ in Memphis, written by my dear friend, Shannon Milholland.
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This is some place I would love to take my dad as he was in the music industry in South Africa. The Free concerts sound just up my alley!
Happy Mother’s day xoxoxo
Leigh
Free concert series are getting more popular in cities across the U.S. They bring people downtown to shop and eat. Does PGH have a free concert series?
One of the places I haven’t been yet but would love to go to!
If you get that far east, you better make it all the way to Raleigh!
I’ve only been to Memphis twice. Once driving through on my way from Oklahoma to Florida. The other my dad drove 3 hours out of his way when I was 17 so I could see Graceland (had a slight crush on the young Elvis I was seeing in the old black and white movies). 🙂 Thanks for the great ideas if I should be able to make it back!
You have a great dad! 🙂
We drive out of our way for ice cream, specifically Graeter’s in Columbus, Ohio, but not for Graceland.
I’ve never been my bro is near Louisville KY and has talked about us going there when we go to visit–is it more for adults or are there kid friendly spots too??
Memphis has attractions for everyone. Here’s a link to my Tennessee page in case you get a chance to go: http://familytravelsonabudget.com/us-vacations/tennessee/
I’m with the commenter above…I’m thinking the cheesy route Graceland would be fun! My husband is a huge Elvis fan so I’m sure that would be a not miss.
When we were growing up, some teen girls called my house asking for Elvis (maiden name Presley). Our pastor was there and had a great singing voice. We passed him the phone and he pretended to be Elvis. The girls squealed and slammed the phone down. It rang again — this time it was mom. The pastor sang a bit of “Love Me Tender.” Hilarious!!! Better than Graceland! 🙂
I can’t wait to go to Memphis! My husband loooooves Elvis…so I’m sure that would be the first stop.
My last name growing up was Presley, and we got so many prank Elvis calls that I can’t even imagine a trip to Graceland! Isn’t that crazy?
You’d think that with me living in TN, I’d be able to get to Memphis. I’ve only been there once, but I didn’t get to leave the airport! lol I will visit one day…I want to see Graceland and the Peabody!
Tennessee is one strangely long state, though…. if you’re east of Nashville it could take DAYS to get to Memphis. Tee hee! I drove from Raleigh to Nashville TWICE. Each time, I got to Knoxville and thought I was getting close. NOT!
Sounds like fun activities to do in Memphis. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Especially for history buffs, music fans, and those who love BBQ! 🙂